A guide to where to poop while out and about primarily in and around Boston, MA.

Sunday, December 09, 2007

Pizzeria Regina - Boston, MA

Pizzeria Regina - 4.8

Boston is known for a lot of things. The Freedom Trail, Harvard, The Sox and Pats, Great Beer, the list goes on and on really. One thing Boston does not have is great pizza. Frankly, the pizza around Boston sucks with very few exceptions. The biggest exception to the rule is Pizzeria Regina. This octogenarian establishment has some of the most authentic and tasty brick oven pizza that this critic has ever had. Pizzeria Regina is located at 11 1/2 Thacher Street in Boston's North End.

Location: After walking in through the main entrance, the men's room is in the back left corner of the restaurant. It's pretty much where you'd expect it to be though isn't visible from the front.Grade: 6 out of 10

Accessibility: So, Boston natives and tourists alike really seem to like coming here. That said, there is often a line down the block - literally. There isn't room inside the restaurant for folks to wait, so people wind up waiting outside. Also, one of the biggest tables where large parties sit is by the bathroom. Basically, it's not the easiest to get to.Grade: 3 out of 10

Number of Stalls: One stall here. Well, It's really half of a stall. there is also one urinal. Would love to see a restaurant that has this many customers have more, but that's the nature of being in an old fashioned building.Grade: 3 out of 10

Stall Quality: A bit of a smaller toilet in this tiny, tiny stall. It couldn't have been more than 15 inches tall which is a bit awkward. There's hardly room to stand up and turn around. At least the lock works, right?Grade: 3 out of 10

Toiler Paper: This was well guarded, industrial one ply. Nothing wrong with that!Grade: 7 out of 10

Cleanliness: The restroom was reasonably clean, though it didn't feel particularly clean. Of note is a card that they have available in the restroom that states "If this restroom needs attention, please give this card to any employee". Hey, you see something new every day.Grade: 6 out of 10

Scent: It seems like a lot of effort was put into making the restroom pleasant as far as the scent goes. In all, it was pretty normal. Perhaps they could let some of the fine scents from the kitchen in there?Grade: 7 out of 10

Flush: The flush here was nothing to write home about. I think that as long as you don't make it work too hard, you should be all set.Grade: 6 out of 10

The Bottom Line: If this were a blog about pizza, we'd be close to a ten. Since it's a blog about poopin' around town, this place isn't looking so hot. Just not that accessible and the restroom itself is tiny and awkward. I'd look for other options if in dire need and on the outside looking in.